Project closure, Project Management

Project Closure

Project closure is the last stage of the Project Life Cycle. The beginning of the Project Closure Phase is analysed by the completion of all project objectives and approval of the end product by the customer. An effectively closure plan provides an outline of required tasks that must be accepted out properly in order to result in successful project delivery. Most projects reach their planned conclusion. Projects are designed to produce a specific unique outcome, and when that outcome is delivered, the project should end. This "end" can be a process and normally referred to as project closure.

Adequate preparation is an element to ensure a smooth transition to project performance. The closure plan must be considered at the beginning of the project.

There are three main aspects of project closure. They are as follows:

Assess the project requirements: To establish the best course of action throughout the cycle of a project, it is essential to first consider the possibility of project closure. Create a clear viewpoint and comprehensive analysis as to the required deliverables will greatly progress the ability to adequately decide the tasks that is to be carried out in to meet these deliverables in a well-organised and timely manner.

Communication: Project communication is always essential throughout the cycle of any project or initiative. It is essential to start a precise plan to obtain consumers input wherever it is feasible.

Offer continuing support: When we consider focusing on the continuing support needs of the end-user community, there is always an expectation of continuing support in the form of enhancements. The extended support given to the end-users would give them more confidence on the product.

Project Closure includes the following tasks:

Release of the resources (staff and non-staff) and their redeployment and reallocation to other projects, if needed.

Closure of any financial issues like labour, contract etc.

Collection and completion of all project records.

Archiving of all project records.

Document the issues and the resolution faced in the project helps other projects to prepare for such type of issues in the Project Initiation Phase itself.

Recording Lessons: These lessons are learned and a session is conducted with the project team on the same. This helps in the enhancement of the team efficiency and helps to recognise the dos and don'ts of the Project.

Projects usually have start and defined end. It involves handling over the deliverables to your customer, release staff and inform stake holders of the closure of the project. After the project closure, a post implementation review is completed to determine the project success and recognise the lessons learned. The activities taken to close a project and the template which helps you to complete each activity are explained in the figure: